Madison Reporter

Madison College will partner with employers to meet the needs of a changing future workforce through the help of $1.38 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants. The grants, which aim to provide training funds for Wisconsin’s in-demand manufacturing, healthcare, and construction industries in Dane, Columbia, and Milwaukee counties, will benefit over 400 workers. Among them are unemployed, bilingual, and incumbent workers who will have the opportunity to learn new skills, earn associate degrees, and receive a pay boost under the Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant partnerships with Madison College.

According to DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek, the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program plays a crucial role in supporting employers to build a highly skilled workforce. Pechacek emphasized that Governor Evers' strategic investment is vital for sustaining Wisconsin's economy and strengthening the state's workforce for the present and the future.

Madison College is set to collaborate with various organizations such as Access Community Health, City of Portage Fire Department, Meriter Foundation Inc., Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries, Palermo Villa, Penda, SSM Health Care of Wisconsin, and TriEnda LLC, as part of the agreements recently announced by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

In a statement, Madison College School of Nursing Dean Kerri Kliminski shared details about an upcoming partnership with SSM Health Care that aims to train current workers to become licensed practical nurses. Kliminski mentioned that the program will commence in July at the Madison College South Campus, offering evening and weekend classes to facilitate the transition of students into roles as Licensed Practical Nurses by March 2026.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants have allocated funds to various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Partnerships with Madison College will provide training opportunities for employees in different fields, leading to potential wage increases and skill development.

Overall, these initiatives highlight the commitment of Madison College and its partners to enhance the skills and opportunities for workers in Wisconsin's key industries, contributing to a more robust and competitive workforce in the state.